How has the window market changed in recent years? What criteria do dealers use to choose manufacturers and suppliers today? Which technologies and solutions will shape the future of the industry? Representatives of EKIPAZH, Winkhaus, AXOR and Vikonnyi Konsaltynh discussed these questions in an in-depth professional interview on the current state of the window industry.
The market is changing, and so are partners’ expectations
One of the key topics of the conversation was how the market has transformed over the past five years. Today, the product itself is no longer the only thing that matters to partners. The manufacturer’s stability, service, technical support, training opportunities, product range and the supplier’s ability to respond quickly to market needs all play a role. The participants also discussed how the criteria for choosing suppliers have changed and what creates real product value for a dealer today.
Product, service and dealer training
In today’s environment, competitive advantage is no longer defined solely by the specifications of the window unit or hardware. An important role is played by how well the manufacturer helps partners work with the product: providing technical information, explaining the features of each solution, offering training and helping to communicate the benefits to the end customer. That is why the interview paid particular attention to dealer training and partner support.
How window hardware suppliers are chosen
Another major part of the conversation focused on window hardware. Representatives of Winkhaus and AXOR talked about the criteria manufacturers use to select suppliers, what international and national companies can offer, and the role of the brand, technical support and product availability. They also addressed questions that partners raise particularly often:
what a manufacturer is really paying for when choosing a hardware brand;
what advantages working with a national manufacturer brings;
which tasks an international supplier can handle directly in Ukraine;
whether an EKIPAZH partner can influence the choice of hardware in their orders.
The future of window hardware
A separate part of the discussion was devoted to technological development. The participants talked about the future of hardware, innovative solutions and their implementation in EKIPAZH production, as well as features that may currently be underestimated — or, conversely, overestimated — by the market. They also touched on communication with end customers. Buyers often know the profile or insulating glass unit brand well, but understand much less about the role hardware plays in the functionality, security and comfort of the finished window.
The dialogue the industry needs
The window market is constantly evolving, and with it the requirements of customers, partners and manufacturers. That is why professional dialogue between window manufacturers, component suppliers and dealers is becoming especially important. It helps the industry better understand market needs, share experience and find solutions that may shape its development in the coming years.